Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2021 - ARAB 100 D100

Introductory Arabic I (3)

Class Number: 1007

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Wed, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Fri, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 17, 2021
    Fri, 7:00–10:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduction to modern standard Arabic for students with no background in that language. Introduces basic written and oral skills. Provides students with a history of Arabic literature alongside key aspects of Middle Eastern and North African cultures. Students with credit for LANG 134 or ARAB 134 may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

ARAB 100 will include the study of Modern Standard Arabic language (or FUṢḤĪ), its grammar and vocabulary, and it will provide students with basic written skills in Standard Arabic. This course will also provide students with a history of Classical Arabic texts and expose them to the (modern) Arabic language and some major aspects of Middle Eastern/Arab culture.

Arabic is the largest member of the Semitic branch of the language family–itself a member of a larger Afro-Asiatic languages–and is closely related to ancient Akkadian, Hebrew, Aramaic (the language of Jesus) and Ethiopic. It is spoken in the Arab world and is widely studied and known throughout the greater Islamic world. Arabic has been the literary language of the Middle East and North Africa since the seventh century and is the liturgical language of Islam. The spread of the Arabic language is closely linked to the rise and spread of Islam as a world’s major religion.

There are two forms of Arabic used daily: spoken and literary or written Arabic (also known as Modern Standard Arabic). Unlike literary Arabic, spoken Arabic varies greatly from one country or region to another. An Arabic-speaker in Beirut may find it difficult–if not impossible–to comprehend a fellow Arab from Morocco as their dialect are radically different. It is through literary or written Arabic, however, that all individuals are enabled to communicate with one another through the written form, provided that they are able to read and write.

PLEASE NOTE: Students are expected to be available on the scheduled days and times set for the course. Instruction will be delivered in person on Wednesdays and remotely on Fridays during the set class times.

STUDENT SUITABILITY FOR THIS COURSE

ARAB 100 is an introductory course designed for students with no background in Arabic language. Students who are discovered to have a control of the Arabic language beyond the content of this course will be required to withdraw.This course cannot be taken for credit by native Arabic speakers.

Students who are unsure about their language level and suitability for this course may contact the Course Chair to arrange for a placement interview: rmehri@sfu.ca

Grading

  • Quizzes (4 x 10%) 40%
  • Midterm 20%
  • Final Exam 30%
  • Assignments & Class participation 10%

NOTES:

GRADING SCALE

 A+  96-100          B+  83-86                  C+  70-74             D  50-                               
 A    91 - 95          B    79-82                   C    65-69             F  0- 49
 A-   87 - 90          B-   75-78                  C-   59-64

ARAB 100-3 may be applied to the Asia-Canada Extended Minor or the Certificate in Liberal Arts.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Mehri, Rastin. 2021 An Introduction to Modern Standard Arabic. (Previously available at DocuSolutions MBC room 3000). Individual chapters will be made available on CANVAS.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2021

Teaching at SFU in fall 2021 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with approximately 70 to 80 per cent of classes in person/on campus, with safety plans in place.  Whether your course will be in-person or through remote methods will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the fall 2021 term.